Srinagar: More than 20 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday under unprecedented security arrangements following the cancellation of the earlier test over a question paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage.
Candidates started arriving at examination centres from 11 a.m., with frisking and verification of admit cards and identity documents being carried out at multiple venues. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had advised students to reach early, carry their admit card, a valid photo ID and two passport-sized photographs, and avoid bringing prohibited items. Entry to the centres began at 11 a.m. and closed at 1.30 p.m., after which no candidate was allowed inside.
The re-examination, being held as part of the ongoing probe into the leak of the May 3 test paper, took place from 2 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Candidates were also given an additional 15 minutes this year.
The exam was conducted at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad in English and 12 Indian languages. According to the NTA, over 95,000 examination rooms were placed under CCTV surveillance. Officials said 1,38,560 CCTV cameras were installed, with live feeds monitored at the national, state and ministry levels. To prevent electronic malpractice, 51,311 signal jammers were deployed.
Kishan, a candidate appearing for the re-examination in Delhi, quoted in a PTI report, said security arrangements were noticeably stricter this time. “A lot has happened over the past month. I have revised as much as I could, and now I just want to write the exam. I only hope the exam is conducted fairly,” he said.
While a probe is underway into the alleged paper leak, the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party led by Abhijeet Dipke, which started as an online campaign, has been holding protests in the country, demanding the education minister’s resignation over the alleged examination irregularities.
